When it comes to monumental moments in the National Football League (NFL), few are as unforgettable as the 1940 NFL Championship Game, which featured a stunning blowout that would set the record for the largest margin of victory in NFL history. Played on December 8, 1940, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., the game saw the Chicago Bears take on the Washington Redskins in a contest that would become a defining moment in football lore. With a final score of 73-0, the game not only showcased the Bears’ dominance but also marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of professional football.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate the magnitude of this blowout, it’s essential to understand the historical context of the NFL in the late 1930s. The league was still in its formative years, having been established in 1920. By 1940, the NFL was gaining traction, yet it still faced significant competition from college football, which was extremely popular at the time. Teams like the Bears and the Redskins were beginning to build their identities, with the Bears already established as a powerhouse under legendary coach George Halas.
The Redskins, on the other hand, were also a strong team and had made their way to the championship game for the second consecutive year, having lost to the Bears in 1939. Led by head coach Ray Flaherty and quarterback Sammy Baugh, the Redskins were hoping to reclaim their status as champions, but they were completely unprepared for the onslaught that was about to unfold.
The Build-Up to the Game
As the 1940 season progressed, the Bears and Redskins emerged as the top teams in the NFL. The Bears finished the regular season with an impressive 8-1 record, showcasing a powerful offense and a staunch defense. The Redskins, meanwhile, had a solid season as well, boasting a record of 8-3. Both teams were loaded with talent, but the Bears entered the championship game as the favorites.
The game was played in front of an estimated crowd of 36,034 fans, with many more listening from home as it was one of the first NFL games to be broadcast on the radio. The anticipation was palpable, but what transpired on that December day would be beyond anyone’s expectations.
The Game Unfolds
From the opening kickoff, the Bears asserted their dominance. The game began with a series of impressive plays that showcased their offensive prowess. Quarterback Sid Luckman, a key figure in the Bears’ success, executed the famous T-formation offense to perfection. The Bears’ offensive line, led by the likes of George Musso and Dick Plasman, provided ample protection, allowing Luckman to find his targets downfield.
Luckman’s passing was sharp, and he completed an astounding 8 of 12 passes for 148 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Bears’ rushing attack, featuring Hall of Famers like Bronko Nagurski and Wilbur “Whizzer” White, was relentless. The offensive line pushed back the Redskins’ defenders, creating large holes that allowed the backs to gain significant yardage.
By halftime, the score was already a staggering 28-0 in favor of the Bears. The Redskins, in contrast, struggled to move the ball. Their star quarterback Sammy Baugh was often pressured, and the Bears’ defense, led by players like linebacker Ray Nitschke and safety Gary Famiglietti, smothered the Redskins’ offense. Baugh finished the game with only 7 completions on 17 attempts for a mere 64 yards, demonstrating just how effective the Bears’ defense was.
As the second half commenced, the Bears showed no signs of slowing down. Their offense continued to click, and they quickly added to their lead. The Bears would go on to score an incredible 45 points in the second half alone, a feat that highlights their overwhelming superiority that day.
Key Moments of the Game
Several key moments defined this historic game:
- Sid Luckman’s Passing: Luckman’s ability to read the defense and deliver accurate passes played a significant role in the Bears’ success. His four touchdown passes were crucial, and he displayed an uncanny ability to find open receivers.
- Bronko Nagurski’s Power Running: Nagurski, known for his physical running style, bulldozed through the Redskins’ defense. His ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage added to the Bears’ offensive onslaught.
- Defensive Dominance: The Bears’ defense was relentless. They forced multiple turnovers and consistently pressured Baugh, leading to a dismal offensive performance from the Redskins. The defense played a pivotal role in keeping the Redskins scoreless, a feat that is often overlooked.
- Special Teams Impact: The Bears’ special teams also contributed significantly, with successful punt returns and excellent field position setting up the offense for easy scores.
By the end of the game, the Bears had scored an astonishing 73 points, a record that remains unbroken in the NFL to this day. The final score of 73-0 is not just a testament to the Bears’ offensive firepower, but also highlights the sheer ineffectiveness of the Redskins on that fateful day.
Aftermath and Legacy
The 1940 NFL Championship Game left an indelible mark on the league. The blowout victory by the Bears underscored their dominance in the early years of the NFL and solidified their legacy as one of the premier franchises in football history. The game also prompted discussions about the competitiveness of the league, leading to changes in rules and team strategies in subsequent seasons.
For the Redskins, the loss was devastating. They had entered the game with high hopes and expectations but were left to grapple with the humiliation of such a lopsided defeat. This game served as a turning point for the franchise, and it took years for the Redskins to regain their footing in the league.
The 1940 Championship Game is often cited in discussions about the greatest blowouts in sports history. It serves as a reminder of how unpredictable football can be and how quickly fortunes can change in a single game. The Bears’ performance that day is still analyzed by coaches and players as a case study in dominance, strategy, and execution.
Conclusion
The 1940 NFL Championship Game stands as a monumental chapter in the history of professional football. The Chicago Bears’ 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins remains a benchmark for blowouts, and it encapsulates the essence of the sport: its unpredictability and the sheer talent that can emerge on any given day. This game not only showcased the Bears’ dominance but also highlighted the importance of strategy, teamwork, and execution in achieving success on the field. The echoes of that fateful day continue to resonate in NFL discussions, serving as both a historical reference and a source of inspiration for future generations of players and fans alike.
